Passion for our environment begins with YOU having fun in the great outdoors!
Join us on a river adventure!
Paddling a canoe or kayak is easy to learn, and HVA offers many FREE to the public classes to get you comfortable. From there, you can join an adventure on the river looking for turtles, exploring historical sites, birdwatching or just enjoying a day on the water. Expert guides help everyone to gain a new appreciation for our natural world.
Join us on the trails!
You can join us on guided nature and history hikes along riverside trails and parks, or even the legendary Appalachian Trail. Just like our paddle trips, expert naturalists, scientists and historians share their local knowledge and passion along the way.
Check out our events page for a listing of upcoming hikes, paddles and more >>
More the “self-guided learning” type?
Check out our Paddle Guides to the Housatonic (Berkshire and Connecticut editions) and our many trail guides. Not just maps, they include tons of local information about wildlife, native plants & trees, safety tips and much more. All free for the asking. Download here or request a free print copy by calling 860-672-6788.
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Why do open trails and accessible waterways matter?
- Outdoor recreation opportunities help communities be more economically stable, diverse, resilient and prosperous
- Hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking are among the healthiest things you can do, and they’re inexpensive, too!
- A passion for the outdoors has been proven to be directly linked to conservation values.
- Users of the land – hikers, bikers, fishermen, hunters, campers – can be excellent stewards of public spaces. And they can be rallied, when needed, to protect them from threats
HVA hosts events for all ages and abilities, and works to increase access to trails and waterways so YOU can be free to explore!
Let’s expand access to hiking trails and waterways >>
More about our mission:
